Terriers v AFC Bournemouth

It?s just under four weeks since we played the Cherries at Dean Court. A hard fought game, we came from behind twice to earn a draw. We had our chances to win but the draw was probably a fair result.

Since then they have stayed near the top of the league table, and the play-off spots, whilst we have slumped to 14th. They have beaten Brentford and drawn with Doncaster and the Owls. They also beat Chester in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup and are looking forward to playing Burnley next weekend.

From the team which got the draw we will be missing Chris Brandon, suspended, Nathan Clarke, out for two or three weeks, probably David Mirfin, who is only just back in training, and possibly Holdsworth and Carss as well. The latter pair have gone for hernia scans today. Nat Brown is just back in training and won?t make the match. McCombe might well have made the squad but he is doubtful which could mean that Tom Clarke will make the squad and may even start alongside Steve Yates. Apparently they linked up well in the reserve match on Wednesday.

On the plus side Lee Fowler should make a well deserved reappearance in the starting line up. Luke Beckett will make his second start on loan, presumably alongside Pawel, but it is interesting to note that the Republic of Ireland U21 manager has been running the rule over John McAliskey.

We badly need a win and to play with confidence for the full ninety minutes. Unfortunately, with the number of players missing from the squad this week, I?m not sure that this is the game to start our turnaround.